Wall panel end joint clip



Sept. 3, 1963' V R. H. SLOWINSKI 7 3,102,365

WALL PANEL END JOINT cup Filed Dec. 22, 1958 United States Patent3,102,366 WALL PANEL END JOINT CLIP Robert H. Slowinski, Touawanda,N.Y., assignor to National Gypsum Company, Buffalo, N.Y., a corporationof Delaware Filed Dec. 22, 1958, Ser. No. 782,041 Claims. (Cl. 50-381)This invention relates to improvements in wall construction and moreparticularly to an end joint clip for spanning and supporting theabutting ends of contiguous wall panels to prevent misalignment andsagging of said abutting ends.

The clip embodying the invention is especially adapted for use in asuspended ceiling construction incorporating a plurality of suspendedcarrying channels connected by a plurality of transverse furringchannels, to which are connected a plurality of rectangular and flat,gypsum lath panels, by means of wire clips. In a typical installation,the furring channels are spaced either 12" or 16 on center and thepanels, which are usually 16" wide by 48" long, are laid lengthwiseacross these channels in staggered rows and in substantially co-planar,side by side and edge abutting relationship, to provide pairs ofcontiguous panels and pairs of spaced panels spanning each end of thejoint between the abutting ends of the contiguous panels. Each wire clipis provided with a hook end which is snapped over a furring channel anda straight end which is inserted in an arm on the hook end of thepreceding clip, to provide a firm, taut support across the face of eachpanel. However, the joints between the unsupported abutting ends of thecontiguous panels fall between the furring channels and thus, theseabutting ends tend to sag, particularly after the application of gypsumplaster over the faces of the panels.

Until the present invention, conventional H-shaped, end joint clipshaving a plurality of oppositely extending, U-shaped fingers have beenemployed in an attempt to overcome this condition. Normally, at leasttwo of these clips are used for each pair of contiguous panels. In thisarrangement, one set of fingers in each clip are fitted over the cornersof the abutting ends and extend parallel to and on each side of thejoint therebetween, and the other set of fingers are fitted over theadjacent spaced panel. In many instances an additional clip is locatedat the middle of the abutting ends with the fingers extendingtransversely on each side of the joint. However, it has been found thatin actual use such H-shaped clips merely keep the contiguous and spacedpanels in alignment, but fail to provide suflicient support to preventthe abutting ends of the contiguous panels from sagging under the addedweight of the later applied plaster or other finishing material. Inaddition, by the very nature of such clips, they must be installedsimultaneously with the erection of the panels, thereby substantiallyincreasing installation labor costs.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an endjoint clip adapted to span and support the abutting ends of thecontiguous panels, and thereby prevent misalignment and sagging of saidabutting ends. In accomplishing this object, the inventive clip isadapted to span the joint between the abutting ends of the contiguouspanels throughout the length of the joint, to engage the adjacent pairof spaced panels and to be sprung into engagement with the aforesaidabutting ends, thereby maintaining their alignment and creating apositive pressure to prevent sagging of these ends.

Another object of the invention is to provide a single end joint clipadapted to replace as many as three conventional, H-shaped clips forsupporting each pair of abutting panel ends.

A further object of the invention is to provide an end joint clipadapted to be easily installed after erection of the panels rather thansimultaneously therewith, thereby appreciably reducing installationlabor costs.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparentupon a reading of the following detailed description and claims inconjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a ceiling Wall constructionincorporating an end joint clip constituting a preferred embodiment ofthe invention and comprising an elongated, flanged rib having atransverse arm at each end provided with angularly projecting tabs;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the transverse armand angularly projecting tabs;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3of FIG. 1 and illustrates the manner in which the preferred embodimentis installed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the left end of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional View taken substantially along line 5-5of FIG. 4 to illustrate the flanged rib incorporated in the preferredembodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating a modification ofthe invention wherein no flange is provided on the elongated rib.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, a typical, suspended ceiling wallconstruction is illustrated, and generally indicated at 10. In theconventional fabrication of ceiling wall construction 10, a plurality ofmetal carrying channels 11 (only one of which is shown) are suspendedfrom the permanent ceiling (not shown) by means of hangers or wires 12,and connected together by a plurality of transverse, metal fuiringchannels 13 in any suitable manner (not shown). Channels 13 are spacedeither 12" or 16' on center and the flat, rectangular panels 14, whichare usually 16" wide by 48 long, are laid lengthwise across thesechannels in staggered courses or rows, and in substantially co-planar,side by side and edge abutting relationship.

Commercially, panels 14 are known as gypsum latch which includes a layerof gypsum sandwiched between fibrous sheets. While this is the preferredpanel construction, it will be apparent that any suitable material ormaterials may be used to form panels 14.

As will also be apparent, this arrangement provides pairs of contiguouspanels 14 and pairs of spaced panels 15 spanning each end of the joint16 between the abutting ends of the contiguous panels, in any given row.For example, considering the row of panels directly underneath carryingchannel 11, panels 14 are considered as the contiguous panels whilepanels 15 in adjacent rows are considered as the spaced panels.Obviously, if the next row to the left of the aforementioned row werebeing considered, panels 15 therein would be contiguous while panels 14on either side would be spaced. However, for clarity and uniformity ofdescription, panels 14 will be hereinafter designated as contiguous, andpanels 15 as spaced.

Panels 14 and 15 are secured to channels 13 by means of wire clips .17,each clip being provided with a hook end 18 which is snapped overchannel 13, and a straight end 19 which is inserted in an arm 20 on thehook end 18 of the preceding clip 17, to provide a firm, taut supportacross the face of each panel 14 or 15. However, in this arrangement,the joints 16 between the abutting ends of panels 14 or 15 fall betweenchannels 13. Since these abutting ends are unsupported, they tend tosag, particularly under the weight of plaster or other material (notshown), which is applied in finishing ceiling construction 10.

In order to prevent this undesirable condition, the end to snap backinto their original angular position.

joint clip 21, embodying the invention, is employed. As also seen inFIGS. 24, clip 21 is preferably formed from sheet metal to provide aflat, elongated rib 22 having an integral, fiat transverse or lateralarm 23 at each end, the arm being provided with a pair of integral andflat, angularly or laterally outwardly projecting tabs 24. In addition,the elongated and resilient rib 22 is bowed along its major or longeraxis into a single substantially convexo-concavo shape or arc, with arms23 projecting laterally outwardly from the convex side of rib 2.2 andbeing arranged transversely of the longer .axis xx, as well assubstantially parallel to the shorter axis y--y. Tabs 24 projectangularly or laterally outwardly from arms 23, are likewise arrangedtransversely of longer axis x-:c, as well as substantially parallel tothe shorter rib axis yy, and diverge toward the concave side of rib 22,all tor a purpose to be described in detail below.

Referring momentarily to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be observed in FIG. 5that rib ZZ'is preferably provided with a flange 25 projecting angularlyor laterally outwardly from its concave side along each elongated edge.This construction provides a good anchor to key the plastering material.26 later applied in finishing ceiling construction 10. Alternatively,rib 22 may be constructed without a flange, as shown in FIG. 6. Thistype of construction is especially useful in providing a substantiallyflush surface for the adhesive application of acoustical tile.

Returning once again to FIGS. 1-4, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 3, theinstallation of clips 21 will now be described. After panels 14 and =15have been secured in place by wires 17, each clip 21 may be readilyinserted in place by passing one arm 23 between adjacent panels 14 and15 at one end of the joint 16. Even though the panels are substantiallyin edge-abutting relationship, there is a slight clearance created bythe hook ends 18 of wires 17. Likewise, tabs 24 are suficiently flexibleto pass through these openings and sufficiently resilient As clearlyseen in FIG. 3, arm 23 is so proportioned as to project beyond theopposite or upper sides of panels 14 and 15, while tabs 24- are adaptedto securely engage the opposite sides of the spaced panels 15.

Continuing with the clip installation, the same procedure is followedwith the other arm .23 at the other end of joint 16. As this isaccomplished, rib 22 is unbowed along its longer axis from its formerconvexo-concavo shape to a substantially straight shape. As a result,

the formerly convex surface of rib .22. is bent substantially straightand sprung into substantially continuous engagement with the adjacentsides of the abutting ends of panels 14 and spans the joint 16therebetween throughout its length. Thus, these abutting ends are notonly supported by the engagement between tabs 24 and the opposite sidesof spaced panels 15, but also by the unbowed rib 22, which maintains theabutting ends in alignment and creates an upward pressure to prevent theabutting ends from sagging, even after the application of plaster orother finishing material.

It will now be seen how the above described invention accomplishes itsvarious objects and provides numerous advantages over the prior ant.While only two embodiments of the invention have been described andillustrated, it is to be understood that various changes may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention, the scope of which is to be determined by the appendedclaims. For example, the invention is equally applicable to side wall aswell as ceiling wall construction, and within either type ofconstruction, the panels need not be arranged in substantially co-planarrelationship, but could be arranged in the nature of a segmental archwall construction.

What is claimed is:

1. An end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends ofcontiguous wall panels on spaced wall panels spanning each end of thejoint between said abutting ends to prevent misalignment and sagging ofsaid abutting ends; said clip being adapted to be installed aftererection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising anelongated and substantially flat rib bowed along its longer axis into asingle substantially convexoconcavo arc; a substantially flat armprojecting laterally outwardly from the convex side of said rib adjacenteach end thereof and being arranged transversely of said longer axis;and a tab projecting laterally outwardly from the side of each armremote from the other arm and diverging from the tab on the otherarmtoward the concave side of said-rib and being arranged transverselyof said longer axis.

2. An end joint clip for spanning and supporting the abutting ends ofcontiguous wall panels on spaced wall panels spanning each end of thejoint between said abutting ends to prevent misalignment and sagging ofsaid abutting ends; said clip being adapted to be installed aftererection of said contiguous and spaced panels and comprising anelongated and substantially flat rib bowed along its longer axis into asingle substantially convexoconcavo arc; an integral and substantiallyflat flange projecting laterally outwardly from the concave side of saidrib along each longitudinal edge thereof; an integral and substantiallyflat arm projecting laterally outwardly from the convex side of said ribadjacent each end thereof and being arranged substantially parallel withthe shorter axis of said rib; and a pair of integral and substantiallyflat tabs projecting laterally outwardly from the side of each armremote from the other arm and diverging from the pair of tabs on theother arm toward the concave side of said rib and being arrangedsubstantially parallel to said shorter axis.

3. In a wall construction having a plurality of panels arranged insubstantially side by side and edge abutting relationship to pnovide atleast one pair of contiguous panels and at least one pair of spacedpanels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of saidcontiguous panels; the combination therewith of an end joint clip forspanning and supporting the abutting ends of said contiguous panels onsaid spaced panels to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abuttingends; said clip being installed after erection of said contiguous andspaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially fiat ribhaving one substantially straight side in substantially continuousengagement with the adjacent sides of said abutting ends and spanningsaid joint throughout its length; a substantially flat arm projectinglaterally outwardly from said one side of said rib adjacent each endthereof and between said contiguous and spaced panels beyond theopposite sides thereof and being arranged transversely of the longeraxis of said rib; and a tab projecting laterally outwardly firom theside of each arm remote from the other arm and diverging from the tab onthe other arm toward the other side of said rib and into engagement withthe opposite sides of said spaced panels and being arranged transverselyof said longer axis.

4. In a wall construction having a plurality of panels arranged insubstantially side by side and edge abutting relationship to provide atleast one pair of contiguous panels and at least one pair of spacedpanels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of saidcontiguous panels; the combination therewith of an end joint clip forspanning and supporting the abut-ting ends of said contiguous panels onsaid spaced panels to prevent misalignment and sagging of said abuttingends; said clip being installed after erection of said contiguous andspaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially fiat ribunbowed along its longer axis from a single substantiallyconvex-o-concave are to a substantially straight shape so that itsformerly convex side is bent substantially straight and sprung intosubstantially con- 5 tinuous engagement with .the adjacent sides of saidabutting ends and spans said joint throughout its length; asubstantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardly irom the formerlyconvex side of said rib adjacent each end thereof and between saidcontiguous and spaced panels beyond the opposite sides thereof and being-arranged transversely of said longer axis; and a substantially fiat tabprojecting laterally outwardly from the side of each arm remote from theother arm and diverging tromthe tab on the other arm toward the formerlyeoncave side of said rib and into engagement with the opposite sides ofsaid spaced panels and being arranged transversely of said longer axis.

5. In a wall construction having a plurality of panels arranged insubstantially side by side and edge abutting relationship to provide atleast one pair of contiguous panels and at least one pair of spacedpanels spanning each end of the joint between the abutting ends of saidcontiguous panels; the combination therewith of an end joint clip forspanning and supporting the abutting ends of said contiguous panels onsaid spaced panels to prevent rnisalignment and sagging of said abuttingends; said clip being installed after erection of said contiguous andspaced panels and comprising an elongated and substantially fiat ribunbowed along its longer axis from a single substantiallyconvexo-concavo arc to a substantially straight shape so that itstormerly convex side is bent substantially straight and sprung intosubstantially continuous engagement with the adjacent sides of saidabutting ends and spans said joint throughout its length; an integraland substantially flat flange projecting laterally outwardly firorn thetormerly concave side of said rib along each longitudinal edge thereof;an integral and substantially flat arm projecting laterally outwardlyfrom the formerly convex side of said rib adjacent each end thereof andbetween said contiguous and spaced panels beyond the opposite sidesthereof and being arranged substantially parallel to the shorter axis ofsaid rib; and a pair of integral and substantially fiat tab-s projectinglaterally outwardly from the side of each arm remote from the other armand diverging from the pair of tabs on the other arm toward the formerlyconcave side of said riband into engagement with the opposite sides ofsaid spaced panels and being arranged substantially parallel to saidshorter axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,312,056 Shaw Aug. 5, 1919 1,833,174 Norris Nov. 24, 1931 1,867,194Taylor July 12, 1932 1,939,223 Palmer Dec. 12, 1933 2,178,817 Small Nov.7, 1939 2,277,791 Small Mar. 31, 1942 2,667,667 Jacobson Feb. 2, 19542,811,036 Nelsson Oct. 29, 1957 2,819,858 M-ittendorf Jan. 14, 19582,855,648 Jansson Oct. 14, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 774,591 France Sept. 24,1934

1. AN END JOINT CLIP FOR SPANNING AND SUPPORTING THE ABUTTING ENDS OFCONTIGUOUS WALL PANELS ON SPACED WALL PANELS SPANNING EACH END OF THEJOINT BETWEEN SAID ABUTTING ENDS TO PREVENT MISALIGNMENT AND SAGGING OFSAID ABUTTING ENDS; SAID CLIP BEING ADAPTED TO BE INSTALLED AFTERERECTION OF SAID CONTIGUOUS AND SPACED PANELS AND COMPRISING ANELONGATED AND SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT RIB BOWED ALONG ITS LONGER AXIS INTO ASINGLE SUBSTANTIALLY CONVEXOCONCAVO ARC; A SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT ARMPROJECTING LATERALLY OUTWARDLY FROM THE CONVEX SIDE OF SAID RIB ADJACENTEACH END THEREOF AND BEING ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY OF SAID LONGER AXIS;AND A TAB PROJECTING LATERALLY OUTWARDLY FROM THE SIDE OF EACH ARMREMOTE FROM THE OTHER ARM AND DIVERGING FROM THE TAB ON THE OTHER ARMTOWARD THE CONCAVE SIDE OF SAID RIB AND BEING ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY OFSAID LONGER AXIS.